Yet big agribusiness, fossil fuel corporations, chemical factories and all the businesses that add pollutants to our soil and water, and the companies that steal precious water for bottling are impacting our environment and the ability for small farmers to produce the food they grow.

While big agribusiness is generously subsidized with tax-payer funding, the same isn’t true of small farms, which drives up the cost of sustainable foods.

One of the crops that is among the highest recipients of tax-payer subsidies is corn. The dangers of consuming corn syrup have been widely publicized. Because the subsidies are so generous, corn syrup has become a cheap additive used in most of the processed foods consumed in the U.S. But the big agribusiness lobbies are well-funded, and there is no incentive for lawmakers to end or reduce the money. These huge businesses have no incentive to produce anything in a sustainable way; it’s simply all about the bottom line for their shareholders.

The families that operate small farms have a grueling workload and their crops are at high risk of damage from climate change, including drought and excessive heat. They’re hard-working, dedicated and proud. And they need our help.

Philadelphia, where I live, enjoys a robust farm market culture organized by two remarkable non-profits: Farm To City and The Food Trust. The markets they make possible bring in farmers and artisan food producers from within 100 miles of the city. In addition, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provides vouchers for low-income households which can be used at local farmers markets. This benefits both families who are food-insecure and the small farmers who sell to them, but much more needs to be done to correct the inequities we see in our food supply.

The subjects in these still life portraits are from sustainable farmers and small food producers who bring their products to Philadelphia farmers markets. Their efforts allow us to eat more nutritionally and help protect our environment, our bees, and our water.

Eat responsibly. Buy local. Know your farmers.